The Karate event at the 22nd National Sports Festival, held at the Civic Center, Obafemi Awolowo Square, Ikenne, Ogun State, from May 21st to May 25th, 2025, delivered intense competition, with Bayelsa State making its presence felt among Nigeria’s top-performing teams.
Bayelsa’s Karate Medalists
Bayelsa’s athletes showcased skill and determination, securing notable finishes:
- George Elizabeth – Silver in Senior -55kg Female Kumite.
While Bayelsa didn’t claim gold in Karate, this performance highlights the state’s growing strength in combat sports, adding to its overall success at the festival.
Top Performing States in Karate
Several states emerged as powerhouses in Karate, with remarkable medal hauls:
- Rivers State led the Karate medal table with 5 gold, 2 silver, and 4 bronze medals.
- FCT-Abuja closely followed, securing 5 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze medals.
- Delta State amassed 2 gold, 9 silver, and 3 bronze medals, proving their depth in the sport.
- Edo State, Lagos, and Cross River also made their mark with multiple podium finishes.
Event Highlights & Challenges
The festival’s Karate competition featured 193 accredited athletes from 26 states, competing in Kata, Kumite, and team events. While the event ran smoothly, some challenges arose:
- Insufficient officiating referees, leading to increased workload and potential conflict-of-interest concerns.
- Disqualification of an underage athlete from Ogun State, following a protest from coaches regarding eligibility rules.
- Lack of electronic scoring systems, requiring the federation to rely on manual officiating.
Recommendations for Future Karate Competitions
To improve performances and competition standards, the Karate Federation of Nigeria (KFN) recommends:
- Increasing the number of officiating referees to improve match fairness.
- Investing in ICT solutions for electronic scoring and video review systems.
- Strengthening athlete development programs to nurture emerging talents for global competitions.
Conclusion
The Karate event at Ogun 2024 showcased top-tier combat skills, strategic play, and intense rivalries. With Bayelsa continuing to rise in martial arts, the state’s future in Karate looks promising. As Nigeria gears up for the 2025 UFAK African Karate Championship, athletes from this festival will likely be key contenders on the international stage.
